Forget dinner dates and swiping fatigue. Toronto’s dating scene is alive and well in some of the city’s most surprising corners. From libraries to the lake, locals are finding connections in places that have nothing to do with candlelit dinners or perfectly curated dating profiles.
For the latest edition of the This Is Dating Now series, Now Toronto hit the streets to ask: where are people actually meeting their significant others these days?
Turns out, love (or at least a strong connection) might be just around the corner—literally.
Jack, a self-described unlucky dater, shared an unusual answer as to where he meets people: the library.
“It’s really quiet and you can get work done, and I’ve just met a lot of cool people there,” he said.
A slow, organic connection over books and shared silence? Sounds like a memorable first encounter.
Then there’s Heidi, a force of nature who meets people everywhere— partly because of her job.
“I’m a tennis coach and I’m all about community building, and I run a non-profit, so we essentially help create friendships and community out of literally anybody that you meet ever,” she said, before listing friends she’s made in nail salons, streetcars, back rooms of comedy clubs, grocery stores and even washroom stalls.
“I hear an accent, I must befriend them. I see someone with a unique name, I ask about their background or lineage.”
For Heidi, building community is more than a mindset, it’s her lifestyle.
“You can have the worst day possible and still meet someone who becomes part of your life story. That’s the beauty of this city.”
For Cynthia, the most meaningful connections come from her school days.
“When you’re in school, you probably have less responsibilities, carefree and just semi-stressed with exams. So, you’re kind of like a little bit delirious. Maybe, I think that’s what it is,” she laughed.
“You’re just in this struggle together, and maybe that bond sort of helps,” she said.
She met her partner in school, and now they’ve been married for a couple of years, showing success in group projects, exam stress and how they can build long-lasting bonds.
Hanlan’s Point—Toronto’s famously clothing-optional beach—was new Toronto resident Tyrone’s pick.
“People are more social and open there,” he said. “There’s more queer visibility and people are actually down to talk.”
After recently moving to the city, he’s hoping to find more connections at bar events and activations, instead of resorting to online dating.
“Definitely not on the apps anymore. I think we’re kind of past that.”
Emily echoed that sentiment. After a year and a half on the apps, she’s taking a break—and seeing more success just being out in the world.
“It’s really hard. I think the most I’ve met people out is going to restaurants and through mutual friends. I was on the apps for a year and a half, and I’ve been off for six months because it was just a lot of unanswered messages. I feel like people have been more responsive when I meet them in person,” she said.
“I think I’ve met the most people, like sitting on a patio, going out with friends. It’s so random.”
If one thing is clear, it’s that Toronto’s best “meet-cutes” happen when people aren’t looking.
They’re bumping into each other on the sidewalk, sharing sunscreen at a beach, chatting at a food truck, or bonding over indie music at a bar.
It’s less curated, more chaotic, and a whole lot more real.
So, whether you’re quietly reading at the library, dancing at a queer beach party, or just grabbing groceries, don’t be surprised if a stranger strikes up a conversation. In a city as big and connected as Toronto, love might not be a tap away, it might just be standing next to you in line.
Got a dating story to tell? We want to hear it. Send your experiences to news@nowtoronto.com for a chance to be featured in a future edition of This Is Dating Now.
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